Definition

This procedure removes dental pulp when it has become dead or infected. Dental pulp is the soft core of the tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends from the top of the tooth, called the crown, all the way down to the roots, in branches called canals.

Normal Tooth Anatomy

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Reasons for Procedure

Dental pulp may become infected because of:

• An untreated cavity
• Trauma to the tooth
• Gum disease

When dental pulp becomes infected or dies, a painful abscess within the jawbone will occur. Removing dead or diseased dental pulp will prevent infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth and destroying bone around the tooth. If a root canal is not done, the tooth will need to be removed.

Common signs of pulp problems include:

• Pain when biting down on a tooth
• Pain when the tooth is not being used
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
• Tooth discoloration
• Swollen gums around the infected tooth
• A draining boil-like structure (called a fistula) on the gum adjacent to the tooth

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your dentist will review potential problems, like:

• Pain and swelling
• Surgical-wound infection
• Persistent abscess
• Inability to save the tooth

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Smoking
• Immune system disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Circulatory problems that can cause healing problems, such as diabetes

Be sure to discuss these risks with your dentist before the procedure.

What to Expect

Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist if any of the following occur.

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the area around the tooth
• Tooth loosens after root canal treatment
• Headache, muscle aches, lightheadedness, or general discomfort
• Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.